Gen Muntu promises to restore discipline in government institutions

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Presidential candidate, Maj Gen (Rtd) Gregg Mugisha Muntu has promised to restore discipline in public institutions in the country once voted president in 2021 general polls.

Muntu cited unbecoming practices of awarding jobs to friends, in-laws and relatives that have thrived under the ruling National Resistance Movement – NRM government instead of merit-based parameters which have caused Uganda regional imbalances.

The Alliance for National Transformation-ANT flag bearer who has been canvassing for votes in Acholi districts of Omoro, Nwoya, Amuru and Gulu districts since rallied the electorate to vote out President Museveni in next year’s elections.

Muntu only addressed roadside rallies along with the major trading centre in Amuru district, Lacor trading centre along Gulu-Nimule highway, Unyama trading centre along Gulu-Kitgum highway and Copil along Gulu-Moroto road.

Muntu explained that the level of corruption in civil service like the security, the judiciary and parliament dates back to 1962 after the country attained independence from colonial masters.

He illustrated that the vice has continued unabated under President Yoweri Museveni’s government.

He recounted several major corruption scandals that tainted Uganda’s reputation worldwide.

For instance, the OPM 5 billion scandal under Peace Recovery and Development Plan (PRDP) for Northern Uganda, misuse of USD 2 million GAVI Funds, the NSSF -Temangalo 11 Billion Shillings land saga and the 150 billion ID Scandal.

Muntu says Museveni’s 34 years of prolonged grip to power itself is corruption which ANT is seeking a mandate to end it and restore leadership based on integrity. He noted that the widespread dishonesty under the NRM government has ruined Uganda’s socio-economic development.

According to Muntu, ANT government will revive farmers’ cooperatives, establish agriculture banks and introduce more mechanized agriculture systems to enable sustainable wealth creation backed by market links, fertile soil and favourable climatic conditions.

Gertrude Lanyero, an ANT party supporter who is also contesting as Gulu city Woman MP agreed with Muntu saying the level of rampant corruption scandals hampers smooth operations of business entities intending to invest in the country.

Robert Mugabe, the Gulu city mayoral race contender under ANT observes that the under-the-table cash payments constitute key bottlenecks for equitable resource allocations in the country. He says such moral decay under President Museveni has deprived Ugandans better service delivery.

The 2007 African Peer Review Mechanism Report noted that Uganda loses USD 258.6 million annually through corruption and procurement malfeasance. The report estimates that if the country could eliminate corruption in public procurement, it would save USD 15.2 million a year.

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